Similarities Of Socrates And Machiavelli - 1669 Words

Both Socrates and Machiavelli emerged as renowned thinkers of their time because of their approaches to government that moved away from idealism and towards a rational and real approach. To understand why Socrates would be critical of Machiavelli’s concept of a Prince we must understand the similarities and differences between the two philosophers, and then analyze if Socrates would find his ruling system to be efficient. Socrates and Machiavelli value the qualities of a strong and fair ruler, however they differ in their beliefs on what means a ruler should use to remain in power over his people. In the end, Socrates would have found the amorality and absolute power of Machiavelli’s Prince to be a disservice to his people, as truthfulness†¦show more content†¦Socrates would be critical of this notion as well, as he believes in the constant search for the truth as he says, â€Å"the unexamined life is one not worth living.† (Apology pg. 38). Socrates disdain for the Prince’s tactics of deception and duplicity is a result from his personal belief that all people must seek the truth in order to impart wisdom on society for its advancement. In his view, an enlightened person will perpetuate a cycle of acting with virtue and wisdom, and therefor ensure a just society for all. Socrates remarks, â€Å"Will life be worth having, if that higher part of man be destroyed, which is improved by justice and depraved by injustice?† (Crito pg. 11). Socrates believes the enlightened pursuit of justice is a central facet of humankind. To Machiavelli, an average person need not be enlightened so long as their leader is prudent. Socrates and Machiavelli would again clash on their beliefs regarding wisdom, virtue, and human nature. To Socrates, wisdom defines a person’s worth. Their virtue is what allows them to act wisely. In this system, the ideal prince is also a philosopher. To Machiavelli, people do not actively seek truth and therefor worth is measured by other means, such as possessions, land and knowledge. The inner search for wisdom is irrelevant to the Prince and so he does not try to rule like the philosopher-kingShow MoreRelatedMachiavelli And Socrates Similarities1437 Words   |  6 Pagesway. This is the case with two philosophers, Socrates and Machiavelli, who both lived during times of internal political strife. Greece was divided into numerous city states that were constantly at war with one another and hundreds of years later, Italy would also experience this political fragmentation and violence. Despite having these identical environments, Socrates and Machiavelli adopted two ver y distinctive and contrasting perspectives. Socrates used his experiences and the environment thatRead MoreSimilarities Between Socrates And Machiavelli1197 Words   |  5 Pages Socrates and Machiavelli both grew up in times of political instability which formed and shaped their political beliefs. Machiavelli primarily discussed his view of how a leader should behave in the book: The Prince. A prince is an individual who is the leader of a state or group of people. Machiavelli’s version of a prince is very accurate but, Socrates would not support Machiavelli’s version of a prince. Machiavelli believed a prince must be domineering and aggressive, while Socrates viewedRead MoreSimilarities Of Socrates And Machiavelli2045 Words   |  9 Pagesago, Socrates and Machiavelli were both influential thinkers whose works are still relevant today. These two great thinkers and philosophers wrote about and extensively studied political systems. The influences of their work can still be seen today in constitutions and governments around the world. Were it not for their transcendent works, there is a real chance today’s systems of government would look very different. While no governments today exactly match those advocated for by Machiavelli andRead MoreSimilarities Between Socrates And Machiavelli1905 Words   |  8 PagesEssay 1 While Socrates and Machiavelli lived over 1900 years apart, the dilemmas their societies faced draw many parallels. In Machiavelli’s â€Å"The Prince†, he demonstrates a wide-ranging set of rules and principles to be followed by a leader to ensure the steady maintenance of authority and stability in a state or principality. Not only would Socrates be opposed to many of the espoused views in â€Å"The Prince† on what creates a successful ruler, thereby society, but had he lived in Machiavelli’s â€Å"ideal†Read MoreSimilarities Between Socrates And Machiavelli1084 Words   |  5 Pagesamong them were Socrates and Machiavelli, whose ideas regarding violence and its ideal usage to us inspired countless other prominent figures after their respective times. Socrates believed humans are imperfect and fallible, and should therefore avoid using violence. Machiavelli on the on the other hand considered violence a useful tool in achieving one’s goals . Considering both thinkers’ impacts on history, a question arises: whose concept of violence is more corrupting, Socrates’ or Machiavelli’sRead MoreSimilarities Between Machiavelli And Socrates1534 Words   |  7 PagesGovernment 241: Political Philosophy Professor Ives October 13, 2017 The morality which guided Socrates were an end all, be all for him. He did not wish to live without his search for truth. Socrates would see a Machiavellian Prince as self-centered, and void of morals. A Machiavellian prince would not appreciate the way Socrates carried himself and would see him as a challenge to his authority. Socrates would not support a Machiavellian society because most likely he would not be free to philosophizeRead MoreSimilarities Between Machiavelli And Socrates1250 Words   |  5 PagesMachiavelli and Socrates are two of the most influential figures in modern day political philosophy. These two individuals established the bases for our interpretation of the world and human political interaction. While they were separated by centuries and a significant geographic distance, it is fascinating nonetheless to ponder what they would think of each other. Sadly it is impossible to ask themselves and so we must instead turn to their writings in order to glean an ide a of what their opinionsRead MoreSimilarities Between Socrates And Machiavelli1649 Words   |  7 PagesSocrates and Machiavelli both existed during times of political unrest. Both men sought different means of political leadership, and could be seen as activists of their times. During times of war and unrest, it was a bold choice that both men made to stand up for their beliefs and speak out against the system. However, Socrates wouldn’t have agreed with Machiavelli’s means and concepts of the Prince and his ideas for how a political establishment should function. Machiavelli’s means may have beenRead MoreSimilarities Between Machiavelli And Socrates1544 Words   |  7 PagesMachiavelli and Socrates agree on very little. While an initial reading of the two may elicit some comparisons, the goals of their respective philosophies rely on different foundations, and would therefore culminate in very different political results for society. Socrates would likely see in the Prince a selfish ruler, while Machiavelli would see in Socrates a dangerous idealist whose ideas would lead to instability and the death of the state in which these ideas were implemented. Machiavelli’sRead MoreSimilarities Between Socrates And Machiavelli1803 Words   |  8 PagesMachiavelli and Socrates were beings of their time. The world around them shaped their views, and their views have in turn shaped ours. While both lived through turbulent times, they do not share the same ideology. Socrates would dislike Machiavelli’s description of the ideal princ e, regardless of how the prince actually ruled. Socrates would oppose both how the prince got to power and keeps it, as well as the society over which he rules. Socrates assigned certain responsibilities to both the ruler